Inclusion frequently analyses datasets that have already been collected by other bodies or agencies to contribute to research reports. We recommend that research commissioners investigate whether datasets appropriate to their needs already exist before commissioning new surveys. Some of the datasets we use are collected by the Office for National Statistics. We have a particular expertise in Labour Force Survey analysis, using regularly the quarterly, household and longitudinal labour force survey datasets. In addition, we have used a wide range of other survey datasets held by the Economic and Social Research Council’s Data Archive, and datasets contributed by commissioning organisations.
The analysis methods we use depend on the research problems identified by the research commissioner. We have a wide variety of analysis tools available to use in analysis, including the SPSS software package and the R statistical environment, including many specialist contributed packages. In some cases, tables comparing two factors are required, and in others, more multivariate regression analyses may be needed.
We normally present results with a high content of charts as well as tables, as we find that research audiences may prefer a mix of different presentation methods.
Current projects using secondary data analysis include:
Worklessness in cities (for the Centre for Cities) Tackling worklessness as a means to eradicate child poverty (for Joseph Rowntree Foundation) Impact of Learning on Employability – West Midlands (Learning and Skills Council) Impact of Learning on Employability– Greater Manchester (Learning and Skills Council) Impact of Learning on Employability– London (Learning and Skills Council) Diversity Monitoring (Jobcentre Plus) Living Wages in the South East(part of a Financial Inclusion research project led by Rocket Science)
